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Articles & Guidance
Insights and guidance from our legal team on topics that matter to you.
Property
Buying at auction in New Zealand
Property auctions are unconditional and binding. Understand how auctions work, what you must do before auction day, and the risks involved before you bid.
Legal Fees Explained: Understanding Conveyancing Costs
What does conveyancing cost? We explain the work involved, typical third-party disbursements, and factors that affect complexity.
When Family Helps with the Deposit
Bank of Mum and Dad? We explain gift vs loan structures, property sharing agreements, and protecting family contributions.
Can a Retirement Village Force Me to Move to Care?
What happens if a retirement village says you need to move to a higher level 8 care? We explain your rights and what the law says.
Buying a cross lease property
Cross lease properties can be more affordable, but they come with unique ownership structures, restrictions, and potential pitfalls. Know what you are buying before you commit.
Vendor Warranties when selling property
When buying property, vendor warranties protect you from hidden issues. Understand what the seller promises about notices, building compliance, chattels, and third-party rights.
Is a reverse mortgage right for you?
Reverse mortgages let you access home equity without selling. Understand how they work, the costs involved, and what alternatives exist before you commit.
Buying or selling a mortgagee sale property
Mortgagee sales can offer opportunities for buyers but carry unique risks. Understand the process, your rights, and what protections you need.
How to subdivide your property in Hawke's Bay
Subdivision can unlock value in your land but involves council consents, surveying, and legal work. Understand the process and costs before you start.
Tenant maintenance in a commercial lease
As a commercial tenant, you have specific maintenance obligations. Understand what you must maintain, what the landlord covers, and how to handle disputes.
Assignment vs subletting: What tenants and landlords need to know
Understanding the difference between assigning your lease and subletting is crucial. Each has different legal implications, consent requirements, and ongoing liability.
What happens when a commercial building is damaged
In any commercial lease, it is vital to understand what happens if the premises are damaged or destroyed. Here is how damage affects your lease obligations.
Understanding rent reviews in commercial leases
What rent reviews are, how they work, and why the review mechanism in your lease matters. Covers market reviews, CPI adjustments, fixed increases, and ratchet clauses.
Ratchet clauses in commercial leases: What they really mean
Ratchet clauses are among the most important and overlooked parts of a commercial lease. Understanding how they work can save you significant money over your tenancy.
Understanding outgoings in commercial leases
Outgoings are the extra costs tenants pay beyond base rent. Understanding what is included, how they are calculated, and your right to transparency helps you budget accurately.
Commercial lease review: What tenants must check
Commercial leases have no consumer protections. Before you sign, understand what you are committing to and the clauses that could cost your business.
Water consents in Hawke's Bay: What property buyers must know
Water is the critical resource for Hawke's Bay rural property. Understanding consent analysis, the Tukituki catchment rules, and what to check before you buy.
Understanding Occupation Right Agreements
An ORA is not a property purchase. Before you sign, understand what you are actually buying, what you are giving up, and the financial implications.
Understanding Easements, Caveats and Covenants
Easements, caveats and covenants affect what you can do with your property. Understand these common title restrictions before buying or selling.
Property Title Considerations When Buying
Property titles reveal ownership, rights and restrictions on land. Learn what to check in a title search before buying property.